Kruger National Park — Authorities have confirmed the discovery of two tourists’ bodies in the Pafuri section of the Kruger National Park, marking the first incident of its kind in the park’s history.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes today, Saturday, 23 May 2026, the South African National Parks (SANParks) said the tourists were reported missing on Thursday evening after failing to return to camp.
A search operation was launched immediately, and on Friday, 22 May 2026, fellow visitors discovered the bodies near a river in the Nxanatseni North Region.
Rangers were alerted, but the vehicle the tourists had been traveling in was not found at the scene.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, described the event as “a tragic first in the history of the Kruger National Park.”
He extended condolences on behalf of the government, SANParks’ board, and management to the victims’ families and friends.
Although details of the deceased have not been made public yet, SANParks confirmed that the next of kin have been notified.
The organisation will assist the family with transport to Limpopo, accommodation, and repatriation costs.
The matter has been handed over to the police for investigation, and officials have stated that no further comment will be made at this stage to respect the family and allow inquiries to proceed unhindered.
Meanwhile, the police in Limpopo have released more details about the deceased, describing them as “a white male aged 71, and a white female”.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said a preliminary probe had found that the pair arrived at one of the Camps in the Kruger National Park on Sunday, 17 May 2026, driving a green Ford Ranger double cab.
“The pair were last seen on Wednesday morning, 20 May 2026, at the Pafuri picnic site. When the pair failed to return, a search operation was initiated,” said Brigadier Mashaba.
“On Friday afternoon, 22 May 2026, the tourists discovered two bodies floating at Cross Corner on the banks of the Levubu River near the intersection of the Limpopo River and immediately alerted the police.”
The Police, Emergency Medical Services personnel, SANParks officials, and members of the Border Management Authority responded to the scene.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the male deceased sustained stab wounds to the upper body, while the female deceased also suffered severe wounds to the upper body, allegedly inflicted with a sharp object,” said Brigadier Mashaba.
“The vehicle believed to have been used by the victims, a green Ford Ranger double cab, has gone missing.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear at this stage, and the police have opened two counts of murder and hijacking for further investigation.”
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has mobilised a team of experienced investigators at the provincial level to track down suspects involved in the brutal murder of the tourists.
